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ESN Reel

ESN Reel

Specialty

Packed with a suite of specialty features, the ESN reel is designed specifically with the Euro-Nymph angler in mind and is fine tuned to the nuances of the application. Built around a super thin and large diameter arbor, this design now makes it easier to get fish on the reel quickly, minimizing the need to guide line onto the spool with your finger, all while providing consistent drag output. A unique balance system allows anglers to assemble and fine-tune a set of weights, so the ESN reel can perfectly balance any Euro Nymphing (or standard) rod. Add in a full frame that prevents fine leaders and lines from sneaking through the frame, and a sealed carbon drag system that provides a smooth uptake - leaving you with the ultimate fish-catching machine.

Color
In stock
Quantity
Regular price $500.00
Regular price Sale price $500.00
Fine-tuned for euro nymphing, the ESN reel pairs a thin, large-diameter arbor with a tunable balance system and a sealed carbon drag.

Specs

ESN Reel - Stealth

SKU: 32-5100R01

Basics
  • The line weights the reel is built to hold (e.g., 5/6). Match it to the rod's line size for proper balance and capacity.
  • The main type of fishing the product is designed for, such as dry fly, nymph, streamer, saltwater or all-around use. Euro Nymphing and Nymphing
  • The material the reel is built from, such as machined aluminum. It influences weight, strength and durability. Anodized Machined 6061-T6 Aluminum
Drag System
  • The braking system inside the reel that applies resistance to slow a running fish, such as a sealed disc drag or click-and-pawl. Sealed Carbon System (SCS)
  • How well the drag is protected from water, sand and debris. Yes
  • The maximum resistance the drag can put on the line, usually in pounds. Higher numbers help stop bigger, stronger fish.
    Drag Strength: Moderate
  • The dial used to increase or decrease drag tension. One Revolution Drag Knob with 20 Numbers and 40 Detented Settings
Reel & Spool
  • How much backing the reel can hold along with the fly line, listed in yards at a given pound test. FIPS Euro Nymph + 75yd/20lb
  • The weight of the rod or reel, usually in ounces. A lighter rod is less tiring to cast; reel weight helps balance the rod in hand. 4 15/16oz
  • The finish color of the reel. Stealth
  • The outside width of the reel frame, measured edge to edge. A larger diameter generally holds more line. 3 7/8in
  • The width of the spool, measured front to back. Wider spools hold more line and backing. 1 1/16in
  • The diameter of the spool's center. Larger arbors retrieve more line per turn; smaller arbors hold more fly line and backing. Ultra-Large
Components
  • Whether the reel can be set up for left- or right-hand retrieve. Yes
  • The knob on the reel used to turn the spool and reel in line. Its shape and material affect grip and comfort. Ergonomic Handle
  • How the spool is removed from the reel frame, such as a screw fit, push button or pressure release. Screw-Tight Spool Lock with Knurled Lock Nut
  • The case or pouch that protects the reel during travel and storage. Neoprene and Embroidered Ballistic Nylon Reel Case and Spare Weight Case

Technology

Euro Nymphing

The ESN reel runs on a suite of Sage's top-tier performance perfecting technologies and is fine tuned to the nuances of Euro Nymphing applications.

  • Sealed Carbon System Drag

    With its smooth engagement and consistent, dependable, and repeatable pressure, SCS Drag allows you to fish with confidence knowing your tippet is protected. Proprietary high-grade US made carbon easily, repeatedly handles high pressure and quickly dissipates the kinetic energy of that running fish into thermal energy. Tailored configurations create specific drag systems for each model, size, and fishing application, and the entire system is sealed to keep out water, sand, grit, and salt.

  • Exclusive USA Carbon

    Our drag discs are made with proprietary US-made carbon of the highest grade, the same material used in the brakes of jets and F1 race cars. Unlike alternative drag components such as cork or plastic, or even polymers like Delrin® and Rulon®, carbon does not compress, deteriorate, melt, or burn. It dissipates extreme heat without wear and allows us to create compact drag systems that are high performance, stable, durable, and repeatable.

  • One Revolution Drag Knob

    Numbered settings, detents, and audible clicks help take the guesswork out of setting your preferred control level. Our SCS Drag is hand-calibrated for precision and consistency, allowing for repeatable settings and confidence in your adjustments. The easy switch between decreased tension for stripping and increased pressure for fighting fish makes for more time fishing and less time setting drag.

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  • One Revolution Drag Knob with 20 Numbers and 40 Detented Settings

  • Narrower Spool for Small-Volume ESN Lines

  • Anodized Machined 6061-T6 Aluminum

  • Large Arbor for Fast Line Pick-Up

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Compare Reels

ESN Reel
ESN Reel - Stealth
The line weights the reel is built to hold (e.g., 5/6). Match it to the rod's line size for proper balance and capacity.
Price $500
Best Suited For Euro nymphers who need balance and a full frame.
The material the reel is built from, such as machined aluminum. It influences weight, strength and durability. Anodized Machined 6061-T6 Aluminum
The braking system inside the reel that applies resistance to slow a running fish, such as a sealed disc drag or click-and-pawl. Sealed Carbon System (SCS)
How well the drag is protected from water, sand and debris. Yes
The maximum resistance the drag can put on the line, usually in pounds. Higher numbers help stop bigger, stronger fish.
Drag Strength: Moderate
The weight of the rod or reel, usually in ounces. A lighter rod is less tiring to cast; reel weight helps balance the rod in hand. 4 15/16oz
Current Product
Tilt Euro Nymph Reel
Tilt Euro Nymph Reel 2-5 Reel - Black
The line weights the reel is built to hold (e.g., 5/6). Match it to the rod's line size for proper balance and capacity. 2-5
Price $299.99
Best Suited For Dialed in for euro nymphing and fine-tuning rod balance.
What the reel is made of, such as machined or die-cast aluminum. Material affects weight, strength and durability. Anodized Machined 6061-T6 Aluminum
The braking system inside the reel that applies resistance to slow a running fish, such as a sealed disc drag or click-and-pawl. Carbon Fiber
The maximum resistance the drag can put on the line, usually in pounds. Higher numbers help stop bigger, stronger fish.
Drag Strength: Moderate
The weight of the reel, usually in ounces. Reel weight helps balance the rod in hand. 5 11/16oz
View product details
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Overall rating: 5.0 / 5 from 34 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

The ESN Reel is praised for its quality and high performance, with many customers appreciating its versatility and phenomenal drag that stays locked in place.

Summary topics

  • reel quality (70%): Many customers loved the Sage ESN fly reel for its quality, versatility, and high performance.
  • reel drag (30%): A substantial number of customers stated that the drag on this product is phenomenal and stays locked in place.

Review topics: ["quality","design","material","reel","drag","match","rod"].

Review highlights

  • "Has incredible drag and adjustment." — Michael C.
  • "This is a solidly-built, smooth reel with a nice drag and sets up a nymph rig perfect." — Robert H.
  • "The drag is phenomenal and stays locked in place." — Matt H.

Reviews

Must buy for euro fishing

"Simply the perfect euro reel. The large arbor picks up line fast and lets you get the fish to one of the smoothest drags I’ve ever used."

— James P. (5/5)

ESN Fly Reel

"Love the reel, very easy to balance any rod, I believe it’s the best Euro reel on the market today."

— Scott W. (5/5)

Absolutely love it. I’ve already

"Absolutely love it. I’ve already put it to work on the water a few times incredibly light, and the drag system is super smooth."

— Nick P. (5/5)

Love it!

"Love it!"

— Robert J. (5/5)

Have not used it yet

"Have not used it yet"

— Mike A. (5/5)

Incredible Euro Reel

"Incredible Euro reel - easy to adjust and so much versatility with the changeable weight and ability to change the axis of the weight within the reel. Ordered a spare spool and use as a dry fly reel also. Has incredible drag and adjustment."

— Michael C. (5/5)

Best designed reel for micro

"Best designed reel for micro leaders!!!"

— Sean C. (5/5)

Probably the best euro reel to date

"I own several brands of dedicated euro nymphing reels and these are by far the best. Fully caged micro leaders never jump out. Large arbor to take up more line with. The drag is phenomenal and stays locked in place."

— Matt H. (5/5)

ESN Full Cage Design

"As a High Stick Nymph fisherman (now called Czech Nymphing) for over 50 years, I can honestly say that the Sage ESN fly reel is the best reel that I’ve ever used while nymphing. The full cage design eliminates the long thin leader material that I use from fouling inside the reel. Because of the performance of this reel it is a pleasure to fish with. Well done!"

— Doug O. (5/5)

Sage ESN Reel

"If your fishing bag was a Toolbag, then this Reel is one Tool you cannot be without. Superb piece of kit. Quality 5 *. Drag 5*"

— Brian M. (5/5)

Q&A